The Department of Defence has renewed its contract with Telstra Enterprise, allowing them to continue their delivery of critical network and telecommunications services in support of Defence operations. 

Telstra Enterprise’s Group Executive David Burns stated in a media release that the renewal of the contract will extend and deepen the two groups’ collaboration with the use of unique sovereign capabilities, decades of experience, and cutting-edge technology that will co-design new solutions. 

The $1 billion contract will extend and refresh Defence’s Terrestrial Communications Services Contract with Telstra for five more years. The contract is said to be the largest ever signed by Telstra Enterprise, marking it as an important contribution to the company’s ambition to return their Enterprise business to growth. 

The services under the new contract are expected to support the capabilities delivered under Joint Project 2047, a multi-phased project designed to improve Defence networked communications infrastructure. The project has recently reached Final Operating Capability. 

Executive Burns stated that Telstra will be working with Defence to deliver significantly increased wireless coverage via a dedicated Wi-Fi 6 rollout program, as well as the introduction of their 5G mobile network capability.  

Aside from this, Telstra will also involve the introduction of full SDWAN and SDN capabilities to provide more flexible, self-healing and predictive network capabilities. 

These enhancements to Defence’s communications systems will comprehensively transform their network infrastructure and mobility communication platforms, delivering enhanced network performance and resilience as well as voice, video and other collaborative tools and services. 

The capability delivered through Joint Project 2047 and the partnership with Telstra has been instrumental in supporting various Defence Operations, including Operation Bushfire Assist and COVID-19. 

The services provided through this new contract allow Defence greater agility to meet the increasing demand on telecommunications services, ensure capabilities are kept modern, draw on the latest technology and secure the Department from the pervasive cyber threat. 

The contract will also create significant opportunities for local industries such as small and medium enterprises and Indigenous companies, as it will build on Telstra’s collaborative approach, working with more than 30 Australian suppliers who deliver around $50 million of technology and services per annum for Defence. 

Defence’s partnership with Telstra drives the next evolution of Defence telecommunications capability and services, which is critical to supporting Defence’s mission in defending Australia and its national interests. 

With AAP

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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